How To Board Your Attic For Storage (0)
How To Board Your Attic For Storage
✔ WHAT DO I NEED TO BOARD MY ATTIC?
Build your attic boarding shopping list below. Open each section to view boarding materials, tools, fixings, PPE and project essentials before starting your attic boarding project.
ATTIC BOARDING
Creates a strong and stable storage platform. Tongue and groove edges interlock to help provide a secure fit between adjoining boards.
A thicker boarding option suitable where additional rigidity may be required for attic storage projects.
CUTTING TOOLS
Ideal for cutting OSB boards accurately to size before installation.
Provides clean and efficient cuts through OSB boarding and timber materials.
Suitable for fast cutting of sheet materials and timber during installation.
Useful for detailed cuts around cables, pipework and awkward attic layouts.
Provides replacement blades for accurate cutting of attic boards.
Useful for manual cutting where power tools are not practical.
Handy for trimming materials and opening packaging during installation.
DRILLING & FIXING
Used for pre-drilling and securing attic boards to joists.
Makes driving screws faster and more efficient during board installation.
MEASURING & MARKING
Required to accurately measure attic space, board lengths and cutting dimensions.
Guide Questions & Answers
Explore additional attic boarding guidance, planning information and commonly researched project questions before creating attic storage space.
Why Should I Check My Attic Insulation Before Boarding?
Before boarding your attic, it is important to assess your existing insulation. If insulation is compressed beneath boards, it may not perform as effectively as intended.
If your insulation extends above the joists, installing boards directly on top can reduce insulation depth and limit its effectiveness.
- Check insulation depth before purchasing boards.
- Confirm whether insulation sits above joist height.
- Consider a raised boarding solution where additional clearance is required.
- Review your attic insulation before creating new storage areas.
What Is Tongue & Groove OSB Board?
Tongue and groove OSB boards feature interlocking edges that fit together to create a stable and continuous storage platform.
The tongue edge slots into the groove edge of the adjoining board, helping keep boards aligned during installation.
Benefits Of Tongue & Groove Boards
- Secure interlocking joints.
- Improved board alignment.
- Reduced movement between boards.
- Strong and durable storage surface.
- Suitable for attic storage projects.
What Board Thickness Should I Choose?
Board thickness should be selected based on your attic structure, joist condition, intended storage use and project requirements.
Both 18mm and 22mm tongue and groove OSB boards are commonly used for attic storage projects.
- Consider the condition and spacing of existing joists.
- Consider what will be stored in the attic.
- Check board specifications before purchasing.
- Ensure fixings are suitable for the board thickness selected.
What Screw Length Should I Use For Attic Boarding?
Choosing the correct screw length helps create a secure fixing while providing adequate penetration into the joists beneath the boards.
• 18mm OSB Boards: Typically paired with 50mm screws.
• 22mm OSB Boards: Typically paired with 60mm screws.
Always ensure the fixing selected is suitable for your specific boarding system and installation requirements.
What If My Insulation Is Thicker Than My Joists?
If insulation extends above joist level, boarding directly on top may compress the insulation and reduce some of its thermal benefits.
Where insulation depth exceeds the available joist space, consider creating a raised flooring system above the insulation.
If insulation is thicker than the gap available, raise the floor above the insulation rather than compressing it.
- Protects insulation depth.
- Helps preserve energy efficiency.
- Creates usable storage space above insulation.
- Reduces the risk of squashing insulation.
Do I Need A Raised Boarding System?
Raised boarding systems create a gap between the insulation and the storage deck above.
They are commonly considered when insulation sits above joist level and additional storage space is required.
You May Wish To Consider Raised Boarding If:
- Insulation extends above the joists.
- You have upgraded attic insulation levels.
- You want to avoid compressing insulation.
- You are creating a larger attic storage area.
How Much Attic Boarding Do I Need?
The amount of boarding required depends on the area you plan to cover.
Simple Calculation
Area To Board (m²)
÷
Coverage Per Board
=
Boards Required
- Measure the length and width of the storage area.
- Exclude inaccessible spaces.
- Allow for cuts around pipes, cables and roof features.
- Include a small allowance for offcuts and wastage.
Can I Use My Attic For Heavy Storage?
Before storing heavy items, consider the structural capability of the attic and how the area was originally designed.
Storage requirements vary between homes, so it is important to understand the intended use of the attic space before loading it with heavy items.
- Store items evenly where possible.
- Avoid concentrating excessive weight in one area.
- Keep access routes clear.
- Maintain access to services and maintenance areas.
What Are The Most Common Attic Boarding Mistakes?
- Compressing insulation beneath the boards.
- Not checking insulation depth before installation.
- Blocking airflow and ventilation routes.
- Using incorrect screw lengths.
- Failing to measure the area accurately.
- Not allowing access to tanks, wiring or services.
- Insufficient lighting while working.
- Overloading storage areas.
Insulate first, board second and store third. This helps maximise both energy efficiency and usable storage space.
Can I Board Only Part Of My Attic?
Yes. Many homeowners choose to board only the areas required for storage rather than covering the entire attic floor.
This can help create practical storage space while retaining access to important services and keeping material costs under control.
- Focus on easily accessible areas.
- Maintain access paths where required.
- Plan storage locations before purchasing materials.
- Measure the required storage area accurately.
QUICK PROJECT SUMMARY
Use this summary table to understand the key stages, recommended tools and important considerations for your attic boarding project.
| Step | Tool / Product | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Check Existing Insulation | Attic Insulation | Inspect insulation depth, condition and whether it extends above the joists before planning storage space. |
| Plan Storage Area | OSB Tongue & Groove Boards | Only board the areas required for storage to reduce waste and keep material costs under control. |
| Measure The Area | Stanley Measuring Tape 8m | Measure the attic area accurately and allow extra material for cuts around obstacles. |
| Check Insulation Depth | Visual Inspection | If insulation sits above joist level, consider a raised boarding system to help maintain insulation performance. |
| Mark Out Boards | Tala Carpenter Pencils & Spirit Level | Identify service routes, obstacles and board cuts before starting work. |
| Cut Boards To Size | DeWalt Circular Saw / Jigsaw | Measure carefully and allow for pipework, wiring, tanks and roof supports. |
| Position Boards | OSB Tongue & Groove Boards | Check alignment, access routes and ventilation before fixing boards permanently. |
| Select Fixings | SPAX Chipboard Screws | 18mm boards are typically paired with 50mm screws, while 22mm boards are typically paired with 60mm screws. |
| Secure Boards | Makita Drill & Impact Driver | Pre-drilling and countersinking can help create a neater finish and reduce the risk of board damage. |
| Maintain Safe Access | Attic Ladder & Work Light | Ensure safe access, good visibility and future maintenance access throughout the attic. |
| Use PPE | Dust Mask, Safety Glasses, Gloves & Coveralls | Attics can contain dust, fibres and debris, so wear suitable PPE throughout the project. |
| Final Inspection | Visual Inspection | Confirm boards are secure, ventilation remains clear and services remain accessible before using the storage area. |
How To Board Your Attic For Storage: A Step-By-Step Guide
Before starting your attic boarding project, check your insulation, assess your storage requirements and ensure you have suitable access, lighting and safety equipment. Planning ahead can help reduce waste, avoid unnecessary cuts and create a safer, more practical storage space.
Check Your Attic Insulation
Before purchasing boards, inspect the condition and depth of your existing attic insulation.
- Is insulation present across the attic floor?
- Does insulation sit above the joists?
- Are there any damaged or missing areas?
- Is ventilation unobstructed?
Plan Your Storage Area
Decide which areas of the attic need to be boarded and what you intend to store.
- Christmas decorations
- Suitcases
- Seasonal items
- Storage boxes
- Household essentials
Measure The Space
Accurate measurements will help you estimate how many boards are required.
- Measure the length and width.
- Account for water tanks and services.
- Note any pipework or cable routes.
- Identify roof supports and obstacles.
Formula:
Length (m) × Width (m) = Area (m²)
Choose Your Attic Boards
Select the most suitable boarding option for your project.
- OSB Board Tongue & Groove 18mm - Creates a strong and practical storage platform.
- OSB Board Tongue & Groove 22mm - A thicker option where additional rigidity may be required.
Check If Raised Boarding Is Required
If insulation extends above joist level, you may need to create a raised platform before installing boards.
Think:
INSULATE → RAISE IF REQUIRED → BOARD → STORE
Mark Out Your Boards
Careful planning can help reduce cutting errors and material waste.
- Measure twice.
- Mark once.
- Identify obstacles before cutting.
Recommended tools include a Stanley Measuring Tape, Tala Carpenter Pencils and a Tala Spirit Level.
Cut Boards To Size
You may need to cut boards around pipework, wiring, tanks and roof supports.
Recommended tools include:
- DeWalt XR Circular Saw
- DeWalt Jigsaw
- Bahco Hand Saw
Position The Boards
Lay the boards in place before securing them permanently.
- Check board alignment.
- Check joint locations.
- Maintain access routes.
- Allow for ventilation.
- Preserve access to services.
Select The Correct Fixings
Choosing the correct screw length helps create a secure installation.
- 18mm OSB Board: Typically paired with 50mm screws.
- 22mm OSB Board: Typically paired with 60mm screws.
Recommended products include SPAX Chipboard Screws, Krino Drill Bits and Tala Countersink Bits.
Secure The Boards In Place
Fix the boards securely using appropriate drilling and fastening tools.
- Makita Combi Drill / Impact Driver
- Makita Impact Driver
- Pilot Drill Bits
- Countersink Bits
Complete Your Storage Area Safely
Ensure safe access and suitable lighting for future use.
- Install suitable attic access.
- Ensure adequate lighting.
- Keep pathways clear.
- Store items evenly across the boarded area.
All recommended tools, PPE, fixings and project essentials are linked in the Shopping List section above for a quicker shopping experience.
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Important
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice, a site-specific assessment or the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Every property is different. If you are unsure about the roof construction, safe access, structural condition, electrical services, damp, ventilation or the suitability of a product, stop and seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional. Always follow current product instructions and applicable building and safety requirements. Chadwicks accepts no responsibility for work carried out solely in reliance on this general guide, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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